Casey James Jochem, 39

Casey James Jochem of Long Pine, NE passed away on January 5, 2023. Casey was born on January 2, 1984 in Atkinson, NE to the parents of Craig and Doris (Dover) Jochem of Atkinson. During Casey’s childhood, you could find him atop of his cantankerous pony, Windy, with a rope in his hand.

Casey was quite the social bug in his adolescence. He was known for talking on the phone, which led him to his first job as a telemarketer. He enjoyed conversation and spent many hours on the phone with family, friends, and the occasional girl.

Casey confidently took to the dance floor any chance he got. He spent many weekends at local dances socializing in Johnstown and Norden, NE. He loved nineties country music, and you could bet that his stereo would be playing Chris Ledoux and Garth Brooks when he pulled up.

When Casey wasn’t listening to music or talking on the phone, you could find him throwing a rope. Casey spent many summers with his uncle Mark and aunt Emma Fish at their arena training horses and roping. He competed in rodeo until he suffered a life altering brain injury during his senior year of high school in 2001. Casey underwent multiple brain surgeries and had extensive rehabilitation to regain essential daily life skills. Eventually, Casey successfully earned his high school diploma in 2005 Casey was able to return home where his father cared for him for the remainder of his life. Casey spent a lot of time checking and caring for the cattle and horses with his dad. Casey’s passion in the last few years of his life was to make sure his family was right with the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Jochem; paternal grandparents, John and Dorothy Jochem; maternal grandparents, Edward and Shirley Dover; uncle Russell Jochem and uncle Vern Dover.

He is survived by his father, Craig Jochem of Long Pine, NE; sister, Sara (Jeremy) Molloy of Bucklin, MO; brothers, Luke Jochem of Bevier, MO, Denver Jochem of Hico, TX and Caleb (Melissa) Jochem of Gallatin, MO; sister, Haley (Logan) Ridge of Grant City, MO; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.